Although some planting times vary for some species, the planting time for summer butterfly gardens is here. First your family will need to research which kinds of butterflies are native to your area and what plants will attract them.

For example one butterfly that migrates to Colorado from Texas is the Painted Lady. The Painted Lady plant favorites include asters, thistles, sunflowers, marigold, lilac, hollyhock, and sweet peas.

Children love creating their own butterfly garden. Print out a list of plants and flowers from your research and take it with you to your local greenhouse or nursery. Or you can check online or in catalogs to order your plants.

There are some butterfly garden accessories to buy, like butterfly houses with cute little slots to keep birds out and protect butterflies. You can also buy nectar to keep your butterflies around all summer.

Make sure to keep a camera and journal handy for pictures and notes about your butterfly garden.

Butterflies life cycle

Butterflies life cycleButterflies have four different stages to their life cycle. The change from stage to stage is called a "metamorphosis.

Butterflies life cycle 1Public Domain

Butterflies life cycle 1

The first stage is a tiny egg. The female butterfly attaches the egg to leaves, stems, or other objects, near the intended caterpillar food.

Butterflies life cycle 2Public Domain

Butterflies life cycle 2

The second stage is the caterpillar-or larva. A long, worm-like stage. This is the feeding and growth stage. As it grows, it sheds its skin four or more times.

Butterflies life cycle 3Public Domain

Butterflies life cycle 3

The third stage is the chrysalis-or pupa. This is the transformation stage, in which the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. The chrysalis is brown or green to blend into the background.

Butterflies life cycle 4Public Domain

Butterflies life cycle 4

The last stage is the adult-or imago. This is the beautiful colorful butterfly or moth usually seen. The adults go through courtship, mating, and egg-laying. The adult butterfly migrates or colonizes new habitats including into your butterfly garden.

ButterflyPublic Domain

Butterfly

The butterfly life cycle is around 6 to 8 weeks. Egg stage is about 4 days. The caterpillar stage lasts for about 2 weeks. The life inside a chrysalis lasts 10 days. The butterfly will flutter in your garden from 2-6 weeks.

Butterfly kits Public Domain

Butterfly kits

There are many butterfly kits you can buy online. These kits come with live caterpillars and homes so you can see metamorphosis right before your eyes!